Gas Safety

Gas Safety

Anyone who has a gas appliance needs to be aware of the risks they pose to both you and your family. Items left unchecked could lead to things like carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions, that’s why it’s an extremely good idea to enlist a Gas Safe registered engineer to perform the necessary inspections.

What’s the difference between a safety check and a service?

Gas appliances should be checked annually by a registered engineer, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. There are many differences between a service, an appliance safety check and a safety check of an installation.

Gas appliance safety checks

Appliance safety checks can vary; however, the chosen engineer’s methods will test if the appliance is safe to operate. Safety checks involve testing the following:

It is stable?

Has it been set up in the right way?

Is the gas burning correctly?

Is it suitable for the room it’s housed in?

Is there an adequate and permanent air supply?

Are the flues or chimneys operating correctly?

Gas appliance servicing

Servicing focusses on maintaining the condition and functionality of an appliance. Appliance servicing involves the following:

Is the appliance burning the gas safely?

Is the appliance in good condition?

What if my appliance isn’t working correctly?

It’s important to be aware of the warning signs when it comes to your appliance. So, if you notice any of the following, get your appliance checked immediately.

The gas appliance isn’t working correctly

The flame is lazy and yellow, rather than crisp and blue

Black marks have appeared around the gas appliance

The pilot light keeps going out

There’s condensation in the room

How to find a registered gas engineer

The Gas Safe Register has created a tool that allows you to find a registered engineer in your local area. You can review their qualifications and search based on gas type or specific activity.

Get quotes from different providers

It’s a good idea to ask for a quote from two or three different providers, to give you a good idea of the costs involved and the scope of the work. You should get something in writing, so everyone is clear what’s being carried out.

Gas safety tips: 5 important things to remember

Many people rely on gas appliances to heat homes, provide hot water and cook food. Following these tips means you can make sure your appliances are in good condition and working safely.

Look out for warning signs that your appliance isn’t working correctly

Only use appliances for their intended purpose (for example, don’t use a cooker to heat a room)

Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as:- Headaches- Dizziness- Nausea- Breathlessness- Loss of consciousness

(You should also buy an audible carbon monoxide alarm for your home)

Provide enough ventilation for gas appliances

Get all your gas appliances checked annually by a local registered engineer in your area.

Annual gas safety checks: A free text reminder

You can sign up for a free reminder service, which allows you to request an email or text each year so you don't forget.

Stay up-to-date with gas safety

It’s best to stay up-to-date with the latest advice and legislation. For all the information you’ll need on gas safety, visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk.

Using a registered electrician

It’s not just gas you’ve got to be aware of, it’s important to get a qualified professional to carry out any electrical installation work you have done in your home, too.

We recommend that you use an electrician registered with one of the government-approved schemes. We’ve created a tool that will allow you to find an electrician who can carry out the work in your local area - find a registered electrician in the UK.